Saturday, May 8, 2010

In Celebration...

It was May 4, 2007 when our lovely Caren Crane aka Posh T. posted our very first "live" blog that included a picture of the dashing masked bandit Zorro, and invited everyone to come and hang out with us in the Bandit Lair. We'd been tossing around ideas and trying to figure out what to do in this crazy world of cyberspace for a couple of months before, and decided to take the plunge and see what happened.

We were all astounded and grateful at the enthusiastic response. Since then, we've endeavored to share bits and pieces of our writing and our lives with our blog readers. We've brought in many different kinds of guests, played games, celebrated successes, and sympathized with challenges and hardships.

But throughout these past three years, the thing that has made this effort worthwhile and successful beyond our wildest dreams has been you -- OUR READERS! Day after day, year after year, you have continued to amaze and amuse us. And you've give us the two most important gifts of all: YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION!

So in celebration of our third year of blogging, Aunty asked some of our long-time, frequent commenters what being a Bandita Buddy meant to them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Dianna aka Hrdwrkdmom aka MizMacgyver

Woot! It only seems like yesterday that I wandered in from the cold outreaches of the "net" and found myself cozied up in the Lair. It was like a homecoming to me. I visit the lair every morning before work and every evening when I come home. I don't always comment because, well, I just don't always have something to say...LOLI have always loved to read but until meeting the Banditas I didn't realize the trials and tribulations authors have to go through to get a book in my hot little hand. I admire all of the Banditas, the published and yet to be published, the latter for their perseverance in attaining their goals. I don't know what I would do without the Banditas to check in with every day. What topic is going on the blog, who has another book coming out, who won what, what is happening in each Bandita's corner of the world. The "Lair" is an exciting place to be.

One of the biggest thrills of my life to date was getting to meet some of the Banditas (and the GR) in person. I hyperventilated for a week, then the great day came and I was a basket case, I dressed three times, I messed with my freshly curled hair until, sadly, it wasn't curled anymore! I put on make-up! Believe me, that is an occurence that doesn't happen every day. When I walked in the restaurant and was asked if I was with the Golden Rooster, wow, no words can describe that feeling.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am with the Golden Rooster."

Following the hostess back to the table I wanted to rush ahead, and then there they were, 4 Banditas in all their glory, another homecoming. Hugs all around and getting seated and me grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole time. I had fan girl written all over me and didn't care one bit.

The Banditas are "good people" as my grandmother would have said. They are warm, compassionate people that happen to have an amazing talent. They don't sit and just write words, they put a little of themselves and their personalities into every story and in each "blog". They reach out and make every person that visits feel as if they are sitting in their own kitchen having a cuppa and chatting about whatever subject feels good that day. Where else can you go to get that feeling?

I visit every day because the Banditas need to know they are my heroines, their talents are appreciated, and the world is better because they care. When a person posts on the blog, that post is responded to, always. The Banditas acknowledge each and every person that posts, they want you to know you were noticed, no slipping in the back door and slipping out again. A personalized blog, who would of thunk it?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Helen in Oz

What being a Bandita Buddy means to me?

It means friendship fun and laughter. I have visited pretty much everyday and there is usually a very good reason why I don't get there on a daily basis.I was first introduced to the Bandits by The Incomparable FoAnna Anna Campbell whom I had "met" on another forum just before CTC was released. I will always be grateful for the friends I have made since visiting The Bandits. I have won many fantastic books and my massive TBR Pile has grown to mountainous proportions! Thanks to all of the wonderful Guest authors I have met along the way and the recomendations from The Bandits and Bandita Buddies.

And of course there's The Golden Rooster who has become such a wonderful pet to look after here and there and eat me out of Tim Tams LOL.

To each and every one of The Bandits and Bandita Buddies who have listened to me talk about my wonderful grandchildren and family, thank you for 3 wonderful years and here's to many many more.

I have just about all of your books that have been published and look forward to the day that I will have books from everyone of you. It will happen, you are all wonderful writers! I love visiting and hearing about all the interesting things that you and the guest bloggers all talk about.I have been lucky enough to meet FoAnna in person a few times now and I look forward to meeting every one of you one day. You never know your luck in a big City and I buy lottery tickets every week so there is a chance! LOL.There will also be another Australian Romance Readers Convention here in Sydney in 2011 and maybe some of you will be able to make it down under.

Huge congrats to you all on your 3rd anniversary!

Way to go, Ladies!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Jane in NYC

Congrats on the third anniversary of the Romance Bandits blog. I wish I were more articulate and could write something poetic. It's a fun place to hang out and chat about books, movies and celebrities. I think the lyrics to the Cheers theme helps describe what being a Bandita Buddy is like.

When Aunty Cindy offered me the chance to take part in this blog, I instantly said yes. I was so fortunate to find this lovely group more than two years ago. I was new to writing and in the midst of a chaotic life. But I knew that every morning I could come here, read something funny or uplifting (usually both!) and my day would start with a smile.

The Lair is always ready for a celebration or to lift us when we’re down. But most of all, this group inspires me to keep going, to keep reaching for that dream of publication. I’ve worked in several different industries, but never found a community as generous as that of Romance writers. I am honored to be a Bandita Buddy and look forward to sharing many more years of fun and dreaming with the Romance Bandits.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Patty PJ Ausdenmore

Wow! Three years already? It hardly seems possible. Cindy asked what being a Bandita Buddy means to me. At the beginning, I would have told you it meant starting, and usually ending, each day with a smile, discovering new authors and chatting with Bandits and fellow readers. Those facts are still true but over the years it's grown to mean much more.

Being a BB means gaining treasured friends; women who encourage, support and celebrate my achievements as well as each others. Yes, the daily smiles are still there along with chuckles and, sometimes, full-out belly laughs and I'm still being introduced to the fantastic authors who continue to feed my enormous to-be-read stash of books, not to mention all those books contributed by the talent that resides in the Lair.

But, most importantly, for me, being a BB means having a circle of women (and a few men), from across the world, who come together daily, in a warm and welcoming environment, to share a slice of life with friends.

Here's to the talented, gracious, wonderful women of the Lair! Congratulations on your third anniversary. Cento anni di salute e felicità! Wishing you 100 years of health and happiness!~*~*~*~*~*~

Thanks to Dianna, Helen, Jane, TerriO, and PJ for all your kind sentiments!

The Banditas and the Lair truly would not exist without the continued support of ALL our readers! Please share a favorite memory from the past three years. Or tell us what being a Bandita Buddy means to you!

We have a truly ginormous list of prizes to give away today!

An autographed copy of My Reckless Surrender (when released)An autographed copy of Something ScandalousA Romance Bandits journalAn autographed copy of The Seduction of a DukeA Dark and Delicious gift package --autographed copies of Dark and Dangerous and Dark and Deadly and some dark chocolate.An autographed copy of Heartbreak RiverA Romance Bandits magnet and post-it notesAn autographed copy of The Treasures of VeniceAn autographed copy of Blazing Bedtime StoriesGolden Rooster pin and ear ringsAn autographed copy of Sweetest Little SinAn autographed copy of Do You Take This Cop?

All you have to do to be eligible to win a prize is leave a comment!

And HUGE THANX from all us Banditas for making our three years THE GREATEST!

Very new to this blog, but so enjoyed reading some of the older posts. I love to read. I love the posts. I am a readaholic. You wouldn't believe the number of books I own or plan to get. Keep up the good works. I'll be reading.

Hey, Deb, A ROOSTER!!! Congratulations on getting him on our third birthday! Yay, you!

Oh, man, I teared up when I read those posts. You girls honestly don't know that you give us MUCH more back than we give you. I love the fact that this is such a positive community of really smart women. I'm PROUD to be a Bandita. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dianna, Jane, Helen, Terrio and PJ! And thank you to my Bandita sisters who have really become an essential part of my life since we met way back in 2006! You gals are the greatest!

I have absolutely had a ball checking into the Lair every day. I am so glad I took Anna C. up on her invite to come visit. All of the authors. posters, and regular commenters make this a super fun place to hang out and I thank all the Banditas for letting me a Bandita Buddy.

Deb, you do get the GR! Congratulations. I hope you have a lot for him to do. He has been rather snarky of late, so much that Demetrius threatened to take the sharp edge of his sword to him the other day.

Wow--I'm wiping my eyes at the wonderful things Dianna and Helen and Jane and Terrio and PJ had to say. Thank you all so much! I've been lucky enough to meet several of you in person, and it's always a pleasure.

What our buddies may not realize is just how much you give back to us. We all enjoy writing, but it means more when someone reads it, whether or not a given person comments on a particular day.

Thanks to all of you, those who answered Cindy's questions and those who stop by and comment and those who just lurk, for a great three years!

Back later, seeing as how it's already morning here and even we night people have to sleep sometime.

Great job putting all this together, AC! I love the Zorro picture especially.

Yes, things got a little wild the other day at Christine's launch party. Demetrius, the other gladiators, the hockey hunks, and several of the cabana boys were quite rowdy. I do hope they have better discipline with the party today.

Aunty has purchased multiple industrial-sized tissue boxes to be available through out the Lair, as I'm sure there will be much sniffling and even honking when the other Banditas read the lovely tributes.

The Romance Bandits was the very first Romance blog I ever visited last fall, and wow do you guys make someone feel welcome.And a warm, cozy place to have fun, someplace I can unleash my twisted sense of humour! And enjoy discussing everything romance. And maybe, an occasional massage from one of the boys.

You are all an inspiration to someone like me, to keep writing, and dreaming, thanks so much for all the fun! Proud to be a Bandita Buddy? You bet I am!

Goodness! Has it been three years already???!!! Happy anniversary, Banditas and buddies! It's been a blessed time, and you've all said it so eloquently--I've enjoyed the smiles, laughs, "ah-ha!" moments, "oh yes! That's right!" moments, a zillion titles added to the TBR, and the sheer joy of being in the company of like-minded book lovers. Banditas, congratulations on all your professional successes, and thank you for making time to share those and yourselves with us! Thanks all of you who make the Lair a stellar place to be! And yes, GR, I guess that means you, too! ;) Have fun, Deb!

Fedora,It has been such a pleasure to have you here with us in the Lair these past 3 years! Yes, in spite of a certain 'incident' I recall that involved the GR hijacking your van... ACK!!! No harm, but VERY FOWL! (oh no! Aunty is punning! Fo has rubbed off on me.)

Thank you for all your lovely sentiments, now have some BUBBLY before we both get all sloppily sentimental!

All this talk of tears and bonking is going to lead to TROUBLE! Mark my words, Fo and Tawny-Depp! You two naughty Banditas have started it and Aunty fears where it will all wind up (but of course I will be there to find out)! :-P

Ladies what can I say you Guys are the best as I said before I love visitng The Bandits you really hold a special place in my life it just wouldn't be the same without The Bandits and Bandita Buddies on a daily basis You Guys Rock.

DiannaMy wish is to one day get to The States and meet everyone in person Bandits and Buddies what a great time we would have together.

JaneI love the lyrics to the Cheers theme and so true about The Lair

TerriOHow true about the inspiration and the cheerfulness here at The Lair it always brightens my day

PJTime does fly when you are having fun and it is always fun in the Lair

Lets all have a toast with some bubbly to lots more years together lots more wonderful books for us to read.

Aunty Cindy, one of the other things I love about the lair - oh, man, I'm going to be here all night listing the things I love in the lair! - is that a girl can get away with a bit of PUN-ishment without facing the death sentence!

Helen, we'd love you to meet us all one day! I'm lucky - I've met you a few times. Mind you, the other girls are much naughtier than I am so perhaps you should brace yourself.

Marie, welcome! Thanks for wandering over from FB. As you can gather, it's a special occasion in the lair. Oh, no I've starting sniffing and bonking again!

Oh, no, I had tears in my eyes reading that post. Thank you all for such lovely sentiments and to AC for putting it all together. The warmth and friendship in this community is something we all treasure. We don't take it lightly and we never take it for granted. BBs, we appreciate and adore you!

And to the Banditas, WOOT! 3 years, can you believe it??? In a way it seems like I've known you all forever, and in another way, it seems like only yesterday...

Congrats, Bandits, Rooster, and Cabana Boys! This is the most fun I've had since moving to Hawaii (where romance fans are scarce!)

I suggest we celebrate with the Cabana boys serving champagne and Tim Tams ... I got hooked on them at RWA/DC - Rosemary Potter gave me a box! (She's the famous Aussie bookseller). I didn't see them on US shelves until I moved to Hawaii .. and then I found your blog! Life is too good in Paradise!

I haven't commented for a while, so I'll come out of deep lurk and say howdy. Love the blog, enjoy reading everyone's posts about their newest releases. Hope the blog continues on to bigger and better things, oh and more cabana boys for all.

I have to say that I've greatly enjoyed so many posts, but the GR's family is a HOOT! (There's got to be an appropriate chicken pun in there somewhere, but my brain is in "hibernate" mode and refuses to cooperate...)

Happy Birthday Banditas *blowing party horn*. It's thanks to you gals I've rediscovered historicals - just what I need, even more books to procrastinate with, lol. I lurk lots and comment little, but it's always fun to visit the lair

WOW! It's four o'clock in the morning and already there's fifty some posts! And I thought I'd sneak in early - I should have known. (grin)

Thank you Dianna, Helen, Jane, Terrio, and PJ for your kind words - and thanks to AC for thinking to ask. We love you guys. You're like family and Jane - the Cheers song fits perfectly. I think we should adopt it as the lair's theme song.

Hey Deb - Congrats on the GR, though it looks like he's having some difficulty walking in a straight line. Hope you didn't have big plans for him today.

Twin - Welcome! Put up a cabana boy and stay awhile.

Hey Lime - Good to see you again! Look - the GR has perked up and wants to hop into your arms again.

Mariska and Kim - one of these days I hope to travel to Hawaii and meet you two in person. It just does my heart good to know that we have fans even in paradise.

LauraR - Yes - I think our longevity is amazing. But no less so than my fellow banditas. They are a true blessing.

Hey Drew! Pour some of the bubbly over here! We LOVE your sense of humor and thank you for sharing it with us.

Marie - be sure to come back - we've only just begun.

Hey Fichen1- It is a sacred time when the kids are asleep and you get some peace and quiet. We'll try to keep the volume down till the sun comes up.

s7anna & Maree & Woohoo Natalie - good to see you guys again.

Vanessa - I'm thinking we'll be celebrating your publishing contract soon. Glad you've come to help us celebrate three years.

Gee - I wish I could be around more today but I'm doing an all-day booksigning followed by a visit to the Governor's mansion. Cool - huh? I thought of taking the GR with me, but I'm not sure he'll be dignifed enough to slip past the gate guard. I think I better leave him in the lair as no one has much use for a tipsy cock.

I've been visiting the lair for almost 2 years. I don't remember how I arrived ... Whew!too much celebrating with cyber drinks? It might have been from one of your books or a spot one of you did on another blog that I visited.I love the camaraderie here. The sense of fun, lot's of humor and laughter! It's interesting to find out how you got started, your struggles with deadlines, we learn about you and your families, your homes. It makes you real to me!I always love info on your books too! Congrats on your 3 years together! I'll be back.

Congratulations to the banditas on your third birthday! Wow, what three years has brought! Many exciting adventures for you all! I wonder how you would have felt three years ago, if you knew where life had carried you today?! But isn't it wonderful that although every writer's story might have its own twists and turns, that such a supportive group have been there as part of the journey!

I love stopping by (though at times more days blur by between visits than I would like). I'm fortunate enough to live within 100 km radius of two of the banditas... Though sometimes we still seem to catch up more often on the other side of the world! (grins, and waves to Anna and Christine!).

I love seeing you guys waving you Bandita badges or goodies around at RWA Nationals Literary signing each year, and this year I vow I'll actually get to your party (it always clashes with the Beau Monde! he he). Keep up the wonderful work! And the many wonderful books!

I have just read thru all of the posts and WOW I have been through a few tissues you guys always make me laugh just as well I haven't got mascara on LOL I have had my 5 grandkids here today two of my daughters are moving house and I am so tired.I really need to get some sleep I really am past 3-00am feeds and chasing 1 year olds around LOL Fun day.

Keep the party going I will be back in the morning full of energy.

I think I have to agree with Christine about the blog that the Golden Rooster did with all of his family and friends and of course who can forget the Easter one with the guesses that I needed so much help with (thanks Donna)so many great blogs and guests.

That's a pretty special rooster this morning, Deb. Look how polished and shiny he is!

Congratulations, Bandits! You've done a bang-up job these last three years, and never fail to deliver. I love coming to visit, and want to say thank you for all the friendship, encouraging words, and insight over these years. (Years! Goodness, time does fly)

So I'm raising a mimosa in celebration (it's 5:30 am here, folks!) to be followed by Starbucks chaser. Write on, Ladies! (((hugs)))

Seriously, ladies, to read through the all the bonking comments--and then see Donna is off to rule an all day book-signing and then visit the Governor's mansion, for heaven's sake! Bless that Bandita visitors, because the comments are as much fun to read as the posts.

Ah Banditas - Congratulations on 3 wonderful years!! An amazing site with wonderful authors. This is one of the best places to come and talk to our favorite authors in between reading your books. Your posts have made me think, laugh, cry, shout out loud and jump for joy; they've also inspired me and comforted me. You have all shared pieces of yourselves and welcomed all who come with open arms. You've created a community where people can come and share their ideas, meet up with friends and feel secure and relaxed enough to be themselves. No words are enough to thank you for that. I'm looking forward to more years of visiting the Liar and reading your books.

Wow, look at this place. It's a crush! Ooh, lots of lovely cabana boys. And a margarita machine? Yes! (pumps fist in the air) Who cares if it's only 7am where I live. It has to be 5:00 somewhere, right?

Deb, congrats on nabbing the GR! Is this your first time with him?

Twin2for2, welcome to the lair! So happy you found us!

Aunt Cindy, thanks so much for asking me to be part of the Romance Bandits Third Anniversary Celebration! It was a pleasure and an honor!

FoAnna said; I love the fact that this is such a positive community of really smart women.

That's because it was created by positive, really smart women who have set the tone for this blog from day one and continue to do so. BANDITAS ROCK!

Congratulations on your three year anniversary. I don't even remember the first time I came here, but I felt at home from the very first. I've been busy helping with grandkids lately so I haven't commented as much as I used to, but I'm usually lurking in the background. I enjoy the camaraderie here and love those cabana boys. Have a wonderful weekend and Mothers Day.

Good morning all! It is going to be glorious day here in the lair. Me and BF are going to be installing an air conditioner so I am going to pass on the margarita for the moment but I will be back. Someone save me a seat and a couple of drinks.

Oh, wow. Just...wow. Those tributes to the Lair made me well up a little because that's exactly how I feel about this place.

It's been such a warm & wonderful (and okay a little wacky but in the best possible way) place. A place of retreat when the publishing world is cruel, a place to celebrate when it's not, and just a great way to wake up each morning.

Already 3 years, I don't remember when I first found this blog. Can't be more then a year ago but I do know I put it in my list of favorites right away. I can't always visit every day but I come as often as I can. Because I'll know there will be something fun and interesting to read. Great pictures to see. And loads to learn about new book or authors. It's nice and comforting sitting at my desk with a cup of coffee and the bandita's/readers close by. What I also love is that if I share something with you all, there will always be a response. A few personal words that make me smile and really make me feel part of it. Thanks so much ladies and congrats on the 3 years. That there may be many more!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!! I can't believe you ladies have been rocking the Lair that long. This is one of my favorite places to "hang out"--I'm guaranteed a laugh, occasional tears, but always the warmth, friendship and sisterhood that is the romance community.

Thank you for allowing me to be a Bandita Buddy. It's a joy and an honor! Hugs and kisses all around! xxoo

Now, where are those cabana boys....I need a libation to toast you fantastic ladies! Cheers!

Wow, I'm even up early for a Saturday and still mega comments behind. LOL! Thank you again to Aunty Cindy for giving me the chance to be part of this. Though new blogs seem to sprout almost daily, I've yet to find one as amazing as this group.

To think of so much success and triumph in just three years! Some friends and I not long ago threw around the idea that you're success is directly related to the people with whom you surround yourself.

I'd say this blog absolutely proves that theory. When you put this much awesome into one Lair, records are bound to be broken. :)

Wow, 3 years! I can't believe it! Time sure does fly by when you are having fun. And I ALWAYS have fun at the lair!!! I'm thrilled for the success you all have gained and am looking forward to many, many more books from all of you! Thanks for being such warm, generous women who never fail to put a smile on my face and in my heart!! Smooches to you all!

I've only recently started to visit the liar but everyone is so nice and welcoming it feels visiting with a bunch of friends. I enjoy the discussions, sharing thoughts and getting to know a little about authors and their work as well as the other friends. There always seems to be tons of fun and laughte going on here. :D

So I raise my glass and propose a toast to all the Banditas & buddies -- may the lair throw it's daily party whether it be small, extravigant or somewhere in between for many years to come. Wishing continued success to all of you. Cheers!

Deb, what a lucky grab for you!! Enjpy the GR on this very special day. I'm sure he will NOT behave well, however, so be on guard! *g*

Aunty Cindy, thank you for putting together this lovely post from some of our best Bandita Buddies. Please know, all of you BBs are special to us!!

I think one of my favorite days in the Lair was June 30, 2009, when the GR went back home, down to the bayou St. Poulet. What fun we had meeting Maman, Cousin Delta, sister Junebug (and her chicks), Cousin Delilah, Great Granny Henster and all the rest. No wonder he travels the world; he clearly needs an escape!

I have trouble believing it has been three years, on the one hand, and that I ever didn't know all of you on the other. Thank you for three great years, BBs!

What an inspiring, entertaining and lovely place to visit. I enjoy this blog and the books, authors and the topics discussed. Thanks for this wonderful, interesting and lively hideout. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary.

Hello Banditas, Your romance blog is (one of) my favorite(s). I love ALL the posts and heartfelt stories, the countless laughs! Here I feel I can express myself and share freely. Whatever you wanna say it’s all good. So let me say Congrats!!! Up to 5 or much more. It’s such a warm and welcoming place that I love to visit every day. Congratulations to you all and thanks for all the fun!-Silvia

I am SO enjoying everyone's comments. You are all so amazing, my beloved Banditas sisters and BBs alike!

But Laney4, you get the Spontaneous Poetry award! I was floored by that!

I am dashing off to hear an amazing workshop by my friends (and BBs) Claudia Dain, Sabrina Jeffries and Deb Marlowe. I will be sitting in the audience with our OTHER dear (hermit-like) friend, Liz Carlyle. In both cyber space and in real life, I have the BEST FRIENDS EVAH!!

Jo, you are so right! If all our Bandita Buddies knew how many "emergency posts" have been posted here, they would be surprised. Maybe. Or maybe they would find it completely unsurprising that there is sometimes barely-controlled chaos Behind The Curtain.

No, really. See that curtain at the end of the Great Hall? You don't wanna go behind there! We've all seen the Lair the Day After, right? It gets worse than that sometimes when the deadlines are looming, the kids are sick, the DDJs interfere or the Fabulous Vacation Destination has no internet access. Quelle horreur! *g*

Thanks to all the Banditas who have come to my rescue and all the BBs who pretended not to notice the near-panic!

This was such a lovely post!!! I re-read it again after some much needed sleep, and think that Dianna, Helen, Jane, Terri, and PJ wrote wonderful things we can all agree on, and much better than I could've said it. I've mentioned before and I'll say it again - I used to visit scads of blogs (like 200 daily) - and I mean visit, not a google reader or anything. These days, it's maybe one or two a day - and I always have to hit up the bandita lair.

Donna - I'm so glad I got to meet you and the GR :D [sorry I was a brat about the pictures. It's just how I am :X]

*sniff* What a lovely post - thanks AC and thanks to our wonderful BB's who contributed.

Thanks too to all our BB's - what a fab group you are. You really do help make this blog the fun place it is.

As for my Bandita sisters - I'm so proud to be one of you - love you all.

Now enough shmaltz - it's time to par-tay. The hockey hunks have mixed up a batch of mojitos and are serving them up in the Lair's jacuzzi. Zach and the rest of the team are ready to work their magic ;)

Wow, I feel I'm late to the party at almost 12:30 and over 100 posts today! Holy cow! I have to admit, I'm not a crier but I did have tears in my eyes as I read these posts.

I still can't believe it's been 3 years since we first posted and I've known you fabulous ladies 4 years now. I never had any idea that finaling in the Golden Heart contest would suddenly give me 19 more friends. You ladies are the best!

The GR Family Reunion blog was hysterical! Y'all have had so many memorable blogs over the past three years. One that came immediately to mind was Cassondra's "Truck Nuts" blog (Jan. 8, 2009). I'll probably be 80 years old and still chuckling over that one!

As I was outside watering my plants, I realized I forgot to mention my Bandita Buddies in my post. Where would we be without them?? I have met so many wonderful people on this blog and had so much fun!

Thank you to all our Bandita Buddies for coming here every day (or when you can) and having some laughs with us.

I've had so much fun reading this blog! Even now, despite the fact that my stupid computer decided that I really don't need to have any light on my screen and I'm trying to see what's on it with the help of some day light!

Congrats on three years! I love this blog its my favorite! Its the best! It seems we have all became friends here you ladies are the best, no doubt about it! I look forward to checking the post here and you have such wonderful guest! I remember the first time I got the rooster, I thought it was awesome! Also you ladies no how to party so bring on the bubbly!

s7Anna and Marnee, thank you sooo much for your good wishes! And thank you for coming out of semi-lurkdom to post them.

Vanessa, Darlin', it was truly OUR pleasure to award you that scholarship. Oh and thanx to Donna's brilliant bookkeeping (No, we will NEVER call it fuzzy math) and Joanie's hard work with coordinating...

Unfortunately our luck at the track -- er, um, the casino -- oh, ah, the Bingo parlor-- NEVER MIND! We HOPE to scare up the funds for a scholarship maybe NEXT year. ;-)

As for YOU, Vanessa, as someone else said, we are looking forward to celebrating your FIRST SALE very soon.

Yes, TimTams are such a favorite here in the Lair that we actually had the company contact US with some packages to give away! Remember that, everyone?!?!

And Natalie, we have MISSED you lately! Thanx for popping back in to celebrate our Blogoversary! I'm afraid Kim has lured several of the Cabana boys to her part of the world to work as movie extras! True, the glamour can not really compete with the Lair, but variety is the spice o life. ;-)

We have missed your smiling face lately and will never forget you showing up here on our VERY FIRST DAY! Not to mention all your patience and help on the First Ever Bandit Bash in San Francisco!

And SUPER HUGS to Deb Marlowe who was also here that fateful first day! We've loved having you hang with us and were SO EXCITED when you made your first sale!!! Now look at what a SUPER STAR you are. ;-)

HURRAY! The DISHy gals are here! So glad to see you Gannon, Buffie, Andrea and PJ!

Thank you ladies sooo much for letting us "INVADE" your wonderful blog earlier this year!

PJ, you mentioned some GREAT previous posts! The GR family reunion was one of the most fun ones to do (and THANX to Joanie for the idea!) and Jo's Stiff Balls and Flying Shafts and Cassondra's Truck Nuts remain two of my all time faves!

And who can ever forget Kirsten's hilariously bawdy "My Day without Underwear"?!?!

I always love when one of us (including yours truly...AHEM) twists an ordinary post around to tie it to writing. I LURVED Suz's post about "Turn Signals" for that very reason!

I was sitting at my kitchen table scowling at the computer and trying to write something coherent when Nancy nudged me to come join the party. The thing is, I actually *had* dropped in earlier, but thought, "I'm way too grumpy and discouraged for a party." How dumb was that? The RBs are the cure for grumpiness. They're the antidote for discouragement.

I didn't hear about the Romance Bandits until they were well underway, but this is my favorite blog of all. It absolutely shines with love and fun and humor, and although I don't stop by every day, I should, because the Banditas and Bandita Buddies always make me feel great. (Not so sure about that dang rooster, though.) Also, I've really loved being a guest on this blog - it's a challenge and a privilege for which I'm truly grateful.

Laurie,Thank you for being such a staunch support of the Lair! Whatever brought you here, we're SO GLAD you found us!

And Joanne, we HOPE you make it to the Bandit Bash this year! I'll never forget our first Bash in San Francisco. There I sat with a glass of Cassondra's fabulous wine punch in one hand and my crop in the other, when in walks my editor accompanied by the CEO of my publishing house! GULP! Good thing they both have an EXCELLENT sense of humor!

Cindy, yes, it's morning already (afternoon, here). The armory was a peaceful place to nap until the GR ducked past Deb long enough to try breaking in for a sword to challenge Demetrius (I think the GR had a little too much party punch, y'know--gladiator versus loopy bird, not much of a contest).

Demetrius took that net thing gladiators use, flung it over the bird, and, despite flying feathers, calmed him down without hurting him. Really, the man has an amazing store of patience--probably why he was so good in the arena.

Sven is still trying to dodge everyone with his hand-vac to get all the feathers up. But the GR appears to be behaving.

Helen, Dianna, and TerriO,What can I say to you three that I have not said before? Well, one more time then, I and the other Banditas can NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH for your wonderful friendship! We appreciate you spending your time with us and hope you continue on with us here in the Lair 4 EVAH!!!

DEB!!! You got the GR on the celebratory day. Be wary that he doesn't leave you somethign to remember him by....snork.

AC, you rock. Totally. And Oh, my, there's Demetrius and Paolo with MORE champagne. YES! I need it, I've been working in the yard.

OMGosh, I just wept over the lovely sentiments expressed in the post. Ladies, thank you so much. This has been, by far, the most rewarding writing experience of my writing life to date. I just wouldn't ever want to do without my Bandita sisters.

Now, raise your glasses - I know, I know, just do it again for me since I'm late to the party - and give a rousing, chandelier rattling WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO! for three years of fabulous FUNNNNN!

Catslady, glad you like the give and take. It's one of my favorite things about our blog, too, the interaction. It works because so many of our visitors share their thoughts, either regularly or every now and then.

Since we're all here, just thought I'd mention something a few banditas commented about a while back, incomplete books. I was reading along in an new urban fantasy, liking it a lot, and decided to skip to the end (I know, I know, I'm ducking champagne flutes, but sometimes I do that), only to find that the book ended in the middle of a sentence during what appeared to be a crisis. Am taking it back to exchange today, but I intend to whiff through the replacement copy and be sure it's complete before leaving the store.

Several banditas mentioned having recently picked up incomplete books, but we figured it was a fluke. So check what you buy before you ditch the receipts!

Donna said: I think I better leave him in the lair as no one has much use for a tipsy cock.

SNORKKKKK! Snorkrkrkrkrk!!

Oh, lordy. THIS would be why I got one of those plastic condom thingies for my keyboard. I was spewing coffee, margaritas, wine, water and lots and lots of tea on montitor, keyboard, etc. when reading the blog. Jeeps, you'd think I'd LEARN not to drink and read THIS blog.

*eye roll*

Glad I'd put down the coffee before I read this little gem from Donna though. I may be quoting that throughout the day, just to amuse myself. SNORK!!!

AC...I certainly remember the Tim Tam giveaway!!! I had those sitting in my office for a week and was sorely afraid they'd get eaten by a child...(yeah right)...before I could get the blog posted, winners chosen, and the cookies out in the mail!!

Anna S said: Now enough shmaltz - it's time to par-tay. The hockey hunks have mixed up a batch of mojitos and are serving them up in the Lair's jacuzzi. Zach and the rest of the team are ready to work their magic ;)

Oh. My. Goodness. That is one FAB mojito. No wonder Zach was asking if any of us had a LOT of mint. I raided the garden for him - hey, no hardship to lose the mint or spend time with Zach!

PJ said: So, Joanie. Does this mean you don't want me to bring any turtles to Orlando? Cuz, you know, supportive friend that I am, I wouldn't want to be responsible for feeding your addiction or anything. ;-)

*said with sober expression* PJ, do bring them. If she's having any problem resisting, you can store them in my room. Seriously. I'll take gooooood care of them....

PJ said: So, Joanie. Does this mean you don't want me to bring any turtles to Orlando? Cuz, you know, supportive friend that I am, I wouldn't want to be responsible for feeding your addiction or anything. ;-)

Oh pleeeeaaaaase PJ!!! I missed the turtle frenzy the first time and have been pouting and drooling ever since. Purty please with sugar (and caramel) on top - and even a bout on Sven's massage table as a bribe, if you'll bring them to Orlando!

...where do I begin?..to tell the story of how...Well, let's just say thanks to all of you, I've added to my TBR pile, discovered new authors, read fabulous books, finally tasted (and ate the whole package) Tim Tams (my hips thank you too), and met incredibly generous people. Thank you for your warm welcomes, sharing snippets of your life as a writer, your cabana boys, and being so generous with your advice for new writers and oh, the margaritas! (is there really such thing as a margarita fountain? I need to get out more.) Wishing you all the best and a Happy Mother's Day too!

All this drinking and ONE of us has to work again tonight...No alcohol allowed. GRRRR

Okay, One of my favorite Bandits to read on here is Cassondra. I mean, seriously, who even KNEW there was such a thing as Truck Nuts, let alone get so inspired by them to write a soliloquee in their honor?

Then there's Susan and her alter ego the GR. When he took over the day and revealed to our BB's his identity as a spy we knew we were in major trouble with that wiley bird!! Not to mention all the times Susan makes me laugh!!

I also love the fact that we can bring our friends here and share them with y'all. For me it's Sandy Blair, Lorraine Heath, Jane Graves, Jo Davis, Tracy Garrett, Kay Thomas and Addison Fox. All of whom are fans of the Bandits as well!!

Snort, what ARE you girls talking about? I do declare I'm quite confused, snork!

Hey, speaking of Cassondra, do you remember that fabulous post she did about the alpha hero rooster? Made you laugh and made you cry - an exquisite piece of writing.

PJ, I'm just saying one things about those turtles - you betta, girlfriend! Or else we'll hand you over to the rooster's care in the secret torture chamber in the bowels of the lair. Ugh! I dread to think what are in the bowels of the lair!

Awww - Happy Anniversary to some of my favorite people. Not just the Banditas, but the wonderful readers/commentors too. Love, love, love this blog. It's one of the few that I make a POINT of reading, even though I don't always comment. Just having a silly grin on my face is enough for me. *lifting mimosa glass* To many, many more years of the Banditas! I love you ladies!

Bahahahah, what an open ended question. Banditas should have learned by now not to ask P226 open ended questions.

What does being a BB mean to me?

Wellllllll, probably typical stuff that's already been covered by others. But, I can sum it up with my initial impressions from waybackwhen.

"I... am amongst lunatics."

Followed shortly by:

"I think I like it."

So, I guess to me, being a Bandita Buddy means I have my own special seat in the asylum recreation area. I'm probably the one drooling in the corner and muttering about fitting a rooster into Level IIa body armor.

Suz, you reminded me to mention some of my favorite blog posts over the years....

Any Launcy party of any book at any time. Grins.Tim Tam limericks (Suz, you rock!)The pun postsCassondra's ode to a fallen rooster.Anna S's blog on Snatched from the Jaws of Victory Susan's Five Random Things she's afraid of and her post on Distractions and her post on things she hates. Snork.Suz's pix of Rocky the wonderdog and her post on her office renoKirstens day without undewear has to rank right up there in the top five.Jo's post on shepherds returning to their flocks

PJ said: So, Joanie. Does this mean you don't want me to bring any turtles to Orlando? Cuz, you know, supportive friend that I am, I wouldn't want to be responsible for feeding your addiction or anything.

Of course not!!! It's a slow process I'm sure I'll only be up to the 1st step by July!!!!

Ya'll are absolutely blowing me away with all your thoughts and SO good to see the lurkers de-clocking

Can't type too much right now...sliced my finger open getting Cricket's new perch done....but will "peck" in later.

P226 said: Jeanne, why has it been three years, and this is the first mention I've heard of cabana gals? WHY?

Snork. Because they're scarce as hen's teeth around here. We have to bribe 'em to come in here for special occasions because, hey, the guy BB's aren't all that jazzed about a party with cabana BOYS. At least the guys who visit the Lair aren't...okay, not going there.

Anyway, even the brave ones usually only make it through one LAUNCH party or celebration, then refuse to come back. Sigh. Its the bucket boots and chandelier swinging, I think. For one of them though, she took one look at the dragon and...well...the clean up wasn't pretty.

Oh pleeeeaaaaase PJ!!! I missed the turtle frenzy the first time and have been pouting and drooling ever since. Purty please with sugar (and caramel) on top - and even a bout on Sven's massage table as a bribe, if you'll bring them to Orlando!

SQUEEEEEE! You're coming to Orlando? I finally get to meet you in person? I'll be there with turtles on! Well, not on. You know. In hand, so to speak.

Forward Page

September Releases

Still Available

Headlines

Donna MacMeans, Trish Milburn, and Nancy Northcott will all be in Atlanta for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference in Decatur, Georgia September 30 through October 2nd. If you're in the area, stop by for the booksigning. We'd love to see you.

Redeeming the Rogue by Donna MacMeans received a 4.5 star TOP PICK! review from Romantic Times Magazine.

Living in Color by Trish Milburn is now available on Kindle, Smashwords and at barnesandnoble.com for the Nook.